Tropical system to create rainy start to weekend in Tampa area

Tropical moisture will continue to build in the Tampa Bay area, increasing rain chances today and creating the possibility of severe downpours heading into the weekend.

The low-pressure system in the Caribbean is beginning to push north into the Gulf of Mexico, bringing southerly winds and high humidity, News Channel 8 meteorologist Leigh Spann said.

Some coastal areas could see a stray shower this morning, with a 50 percent chance of mainly inland afternoon thunderstorms and pockets of heavy rain.

Highs today approach 90, with lows in the mid- to upper-70s.

The area of low pressure has a 70 percent chance of developing into a tropical system, and will generate storms pushing into the region from the south as it moves into the Gulf on Friday — with an expected westerly track.

Rain chances climb to 60 percent on Friday and remain at 50 percent on Saturday.